He's not coming home

[skyring]

A call from the vet. Claude, our Burmese boy, is not expected to make it through the night. He's on oxygen, in no pain, purrs when approached, but he's just too weak.

All very sudden. A day ago, he began panting and making odd noises. We thought he might have been bitten by some nasty or eaten poison, and took him in for a look. He came back, a verdict of anemia, and some diet recommendations.

Went back in yesterday, and they don't know what's exactly wrong with him, but cancer of the blood was a suspect. The kept him overnight, gave him a transfusion, but he's not getting better.

DD, who is Claude's constant companion, is devastated. She fainted in the vet's surgery when told the news.

Usually cats fade away over years or get run over. Claude's gone from superbly healthy to listless to dying in a couple of days.

For the first time in nearly twenty-five years, we've got no cats in the house.

Poor Claude. He's been our sleek brown panther for ten years, stalking the dog in the undergrowth and around corners, shopping around to find the best lap to sit on, lazing in the afternoon sun on our counterpane, rolling over for a tummy scratch, and bringing home mice to escape into the corners of our kitchen.

Affectionate, clever, elegant in that Burmese fashion, and a vital member of the household.

Comments

So sorry to hear it...

[marina-wolf.livejournal.com]

I hope they're able to keep him comfortable. I understand completely how your daughter is feeling.

[madame-urushiol.livejournal.com]

Oh no. I am so sorry, Pete. Big (((((((hugs))))))) to you and the whole family.

((((((((((((((((Pete))))))))))))))))))

[discoverylover.livejournal.com]

Thinking of you and sending hugs and smiles :-)

[fancyhorse.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry. I know all of you will miss your furry friend, especially your daughter.

[whytraven.livejournal.com]

You have my condolences. Sounds pretty much how we lost JR, a few weeks ago--he faded fast and we petted him while he made that final journey. It will be weird around there for a while.

[silvanime.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry, Pete. It sounds like it has come as a terrible shock. *hugs*

[angelchild.livejournal.com]

Oh hon, im so sorry :o( {{{{{hugs}}}}}

[wombles.livejournal.com]

Sorry to hear that Pete. ((Skyring))

[rarsberry.livejournal.com]

So sorry to hear about Claude, at least he hasn't been sick long.
Maybe you will get a kitten or two......

[laura0141.livejournal.com]

I'm so very sorry.

[elhamisabel.livejournal.com]

Sorry to hear that.

[octopusgrrl.livejournal.com]

So sorry to hear that - poor wee chap :(

[kairon13.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry, Pete.
Safe and peaceful journey, Claude.

[thebiblioholic.livejournal.com]

So sorry to hear that. :-(

He's family, and it's never easy, and you're never ready,

[jessibud.livejournal.com]

to lose a beloved family member.

Difficult as it will be, if it is at all possible to be there with him, try to do it (even your daughter). It will make his last moments calmer and it will be a comfort to you all afterwards, to know and remember that. At least, it did, for me.

{{{hugs and strength}}}

[deenbat.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry to hear this. My sympathy to your whole family.

[emperor-fool.livejournal.com]

Oh, Pete, I'm so sorry. I know how hard this is.

[reggiesgirl2.livejournal.com]

Oh, Pete, I'm so sorry to hear that. What a shame. They are so much a part of the family. I cried on and off for months after we lost our last cat. She'd been with us for 17 years. *hug*

[allysther.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry to hear that your family is in pain. I am thinking soothing thoughts in your direction.

[mojosmom.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry, Pete. I know how difficult this is for you all.

{{{{{hugs}}}}} from me, and ~~~~~headbumps~~~~~ from Lilith and Marissa. (Extra ones to DD!)

[rendiru.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry. *hugs*

[lyzzybee.livejournal.com]

So so sorry to hear about this. At least (I suppose) it has been fairly quick and, looking at your other post, he slipped away so you don't have to make a horrible decision. My little Dot is starting to decline, but I've given her a special cuddle just now.

My thoughts with you all, especially your daughter.

[katisha50.livejournal.com]

So sorry to hear this news.